PAPER PULP BALLS FOR FUEL.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 19, 8 March 1918, Page 2

PAPER PULP BALLS FOR FUEL.

An accumulation of old newspapers may be converted into an excellent ' fuel, for use in stove, fireplace, or furnace. The papers should be piled into a tub or other water-holding receptacle until it is about one-third full, and the tub then filled to the brim with " water. Left thus for two or three days, the papers will become thoroughly soaked. If at first they show an inclination to float, a heavy stone laid on top will weigh them down until the water completely covers them.

When thoroughly soaked with water., the papers are taken from the water and squeezed into balls about the size of one’s two fists and thrown on to the ground in the sun to dry. The papers have become so soft and pulpy that a perfectly compact ball is easily formed. It will dry, if left in the sun long enough, until'it is almost as hard as wood. These balls, if made in the summer, will constitute excellent fuel for winter use, and will burn in the fireplace with a glow like carbon briquettes. Moreover, they will burn with comparative little ash, and they are clean to handle. Old papers become a real nuisance about the home, are rather difficult to dispose of even by burning on the trash heap. A summer’s accuxnmulation can be, in the manner above described, converted into a considerable supply of fuel, and the labour is easy and can be done at odd times. There is no reason why the balls should not be worked up with slack and other small fuel. The “Scientific American” originates the idea.